Wildfire burning near many homes in suburban Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Los Angeles firefighters using water-dropping helicopters are battling a wildfire burning through dry brush near many homes in the San Fernando Valley community of Granada Hills.

City Fire spokesman David Ortiz tells KABC-TV the blaze was sparked around 11 a.m. in the suburban neighborhood about 20 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. About 200 firefighters are taking on the blaze.

Heavy flames are burning on a hillside near a mansion with a swimming pool and tennis court where a line of firefighters are standing and spraying water to protect it.

City News Service reports about 15 acres of brush have been charred.

Ortiz says no evacuations have been ordered. Resident are urged to stay indoors.

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